Rocker Arms: Blue Collar 454 Big Block, Part 2

454 Big Block
Big blocks are fun, and we freely admit to being addicted to their easy torque and big horsepower numbers. Two months ago, we assembled a dirt-cheap 454 big block that made 408 hp and 511 lb-ft of tire-frying torque and were pleased with ourselves for a while. OK, a while only lasted about two minutes before we started talking about how we could do it better but still not spend a ton of money. This 454 big block build is the outcome of those discussions. We decided to go bigger on the cam, add more displacement, hang a set of forged pistons, and also step up the valve train a bit. As you will see, the cost is about twice what we spent in our initial build, but we added 150 hp to the mix, and the additional money we did spend on things like good fasteners, pushrods, and rocker arms will put us money ahead for the changes we’ve already started discussing for the next version of this engine. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the Blue Collar 454 Big Block - v. 2.0.

Cam Specs Comp XS290S

Intake

Exhaust

Duration at 0.050

252

260

Valve lift (with 1.7 rockers)

0.598

0.598

Lobe separation angle

110 degrees

By the Numbers

Compression Ratio Chart

Bore

4.28-inch

Stroke

4.00-inch

Cylinder head volume

120 cc

Piston dome volume

minus 50 cc

Deck clearance

0.009-inch

Gasket compressed thickness

0.041-inch

Final Displacement

460 ci

Compression Ratio

12.53:1

On the Dyno

RPM

HP

Torque

4,000

357

469

4,200

402

503

4,400

437

522

4,600

469

535

4,800

488

538

5,000

505

530

5,200

523

528

5,400

530

516

5,600

535

502

5,800

543

492

6,000

552

483

6,200

547

470

Parts List

Description

P/N

Source

Price

Used 454 long-block

N/A

Hot Rod Magazine

$300.00

Sealed Power Engine Rebuild Kit

CSMHP771-300

Summit Racing

779.95

Fel-Pro MLS cylinder head gaskets

FEL-Q1071

Summit Racing

159.9

ARP cylinder head bolt kit

ARP-135-3601

Summit Racing

77.15

ARP connecting rod bolts

ARP-135-6401

Summit Racing

64.38

ARP main cap bolts

ARP-135-5002

Summit Racing

38.96

ARP rocker arms studs

ARP-135-7102

Summit Racing

44.8

XS290S cam and lifter kit

K11-679-5

Comp Cams

514.95

Roller rocker arms

1021-16

Comp Cams

314.95

Comp Hi-Tech pushrods, exhaust

7931-8

Comp Cams

79.95

Comp Hi-Tech pushrods, intake

7941-8

Comp Cams

79.95

2.19-inch intake valves

SUM-V8022-8

Summit Racing

69.95

1.88-inch exhaust valves

SUM-V8030-8

Summit Racing

69.95

Stage 4 intake manifold

SUM-226052

Summit Racing

199.95

Intake manifold gasket (oval port)

SUM-G2412

Summit Racing

16.95

Q-Series 750-cfm E85 carburetor

Q750-E85

Quick Fuel Technology

661.50

Water pump

SUM-312016

Summit Racing

149.95

HEI distributor

SUM-850001R

Summit Racing

80.95

Break-In engine oil

1590-12

Comp Cams

59.95

Sealed Power assembly lube

SLP-55-400

Summit Racing

4.50

Autolite spark plugs

AR-25

Summit Racing

47.60

MSD 8.5mm plug wires

MSD-35379

Summit Racing

85.95

Fram oil filter

PH30

JMS Racing Engines

5.95

Labor

Parts total

$3,908.09

Hot tank, bore, hone, and install cam bearings

250

Rebuild cylinder heads

500

Resize rods and install pistons

200

Balance and polish crank

210

Total

$5,068.09

What’s Next?

As mentioned in the intro, it didn’t take more than a few minutes’ discussion before we began scheming what to do with this engine next. Look for a bigger, less streetable cam, low tension rings, and some home porting. We really want to see 600 hp out of this combination with the stock, oval port heads. We’ll also hit it with some nitrous for a hero horsepower number that looks good on newsstands and will feel awesome in a car. Stay tuned!